Fontainhas – Asia’s Largest Latin Quarter

I am sure all of us have heard about Goa and been there at least once if not numerous times! Not only is Goa popular for its beaches, party like atmosphere but also for its Latin Quarter. Fontainhas in Panjim, Goa houses the largest Latin Quarter in Asia ! UNESCO declared Fontainhas as a Heritage Zone in 1984.

Captured in 1510, Goa served as the main Portuguese base for four and half centuries. Antonio Joao de Sequira – an expatriate returned to Goa from Mozambique in the 18th century. He converted Fontainhas, then a mangrove swamp to a coconut plantation. The pandemic outbreak in the early 18th century forced the Portuguese to shift their headquarters to Panjim. This led to Fontainhas’s rapid urbanization and progression into a residential area. Fontainhas hence has a great Portuguese influence which is exhibited by its colonies, architecture and culture.

Fontainhas – Latin Quarter:

The architecture of the houses with bright colors provides an insight of the Portuguese that lived here. The 18th-19 century houses are mostly painted in ochre, indigo and maroon colors. Houses with slated tiled roofs, dark wooden balconies add to the uniqueness and beauty. Post every monsoon, people apply a fresh coat of paint to their houses and cottages. Thus keeping up with the Portuguese tradition! Nice isn’t it…

Also interesting are cobbled street names …

Rua 31 de Janeira: Meaning 31st January Road, this is the day when Portuguese got Independence from Spain on 31st January 1640.

18th June Street:  This day in 1946 signifies the beginning of the end of Portuguese rule in India. Goa was liberated from the Portuguese rule in 1961.

One of the major attractions in Fontainhas is the St. Sebastian chapel. Built in 1818, this chapel has relics from the Goan inquisition time period. The chapel painted in white color serves as a complete contrast to the otherwise colorful houses and cafes that adorn the street.

One gets a great view of this Latin Quarter from Altinho hill located not far away. The Hanuman temple atop the hill in a popular tourist attraction. Beside this temple is a natural spring ‘Fonte Phoenix’ which goes back to the Portuguese era. Fontainhas derives its name from this natural spring!

The best way to discover the Portuguese colonial period in Fontainhas is by taking a heritage walk. Without saying of-course, don’t miss out on the popular goan fish curry, bakeries and eateries!

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Best time to visit Goa

The best time to visit Goa is from November to February. One can plan a visit to Fontainhas during the month of February and thus attend the art and cultural festival which showcases the Goan heritage.

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How to reach Goa?

By Air:

Goa International Airport is the nearest airport. Fontainhas is approx 30 km away from the airport.

By Rail:

Madgaon and Vasco da Gama is the nearest railway station. Fontainhas is approx 40 km away from the railway station.

By Road:

There are good highways which connect from major cities to the city of Goa. There are also plenty of bus options to travel to various places in Goa.

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You may want to check out the honeymoon tour packages in India or maybe the unexplored honeymoon destinations in India.

And if history is your interest, check out some of the historical places to visit in India. In case culture is of interest, check out the places representing the culture in India.

In case you are keen on traveling to Fontainhas, you could take a look at the Maharashtra itinerary and cover Goa by adding additional days as a part of this itinerary.

India is not just about spirituality. There are many more facets to this ancient land – culture, mystery, history, nature, wildlife and so on. Check out the holiday and tour packages representing the different facets of India travel.

For more such off-the-beaten track sights in India and the rest of the World, visit Beyonder Travel.